Pacific Symphony shows may move to fairgrounds

The Pacific Symphony is in talks about possibly relocating its summer series to the Orange County Fairgrounds, a move that would keep the bulk of the orchestra’s concerts in Costa Mesa all year long.

Since 1987, the Pacific Symphony has played most of its outdoor concerts at Irvine’s Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. The remainder of the year, the orchestra calls the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, one of four venues within the Segerstrom Center for the Arts campus in Costa Mesa, its primary home.

Should the symphony move to the fairgrounds’ Pacific Amphitheatre — just down the street from the concert hall — the change would bring about a more classical sensibility to the outdoor venue, whose booked acts this summer include the B-52s and Jefferson Starship.

Fair officials said the talks are very preliminary, and no details have been finalized yet, such as if the symphony would perform during the summer fair run.

The announcement first became public Thursday, during the Fair Board’s monthly meeting, in a small announcement from CEO Kathy Kramer.

Through a spokeswoman, Pacific Symphony President John Forsyte declined to offer details, saying the organization has only had an “introductory meeting” with the fair.

“Although the future of our current summer home, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, is uncertain, the symphony remains committed to serving its audiences and uniting the community during the summer months,” spokeswoman Janelle Kruly said in a statement. “Pacific Amphitheatre is being considered as one option for future programming. Until the time comes, we are making the most of our remaining seasons at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre.”

The symphony has performed at the Pacific Amphitheatre before and held its Wavelength festival there in August 2013. The festival featured contemporary music alongside Pacific Symphony players.

The Irvine Co., which owns the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre property, has said it plans to end the venue’s lease in 2017 and replace it with new housing.

The amphitheater, formerly known as Irvine Meadows, opened in 1981. It has a capacity of more than 15,000.

The Pacific Amphitheatre opened in 1983 and seats about 8,300.